In Windows Vista, this is more true than ever, thanks to User Account Control. To get maximum mileage out of the command prompt, add a shortcut to the Start menu and configure it to run as an Administrator. Here's how:

1. Click Start and type cmd in the Search box. This should produce a list consisting of one entry: the shortcut to the Windows Command Processor, cmd.

2. Right-click the cmd shortcut and choose Pin to Start Menu.

3. Click Start again. Right-click the Command Prompt shortcut you just added to the Start menu and choose Properties.

4. Click the Advanced button and click to select the Run as administrator checkbox.